New marine energy research programme underway

Posted on 19 July 2017

Ocean energy researchers are being encouraged to apply for funding from a newly launched support programme.

The SuperGen UK Centre for Marine Energy Research (UKCMER), together with Wave Energy Scotland, is seeking proposals for short research projects involving wave and tidal energy, and floating offshore wind technologies.

“The last decade has seen significant progress in ocean renewables,” said UKCMER’s Professor Robin Wallace. “Offshore wind projects are already common and we are starting to see the first commercial tidal stream and floating offshore wind projects take shape.

“The UK has developed and demonstrated more wave energy technologies than any other country in the world.

“Now is the time for the UK to capitalise on our existing lead in these emerging ocean energy technologies, which have the potential to generate significant green power in the decades ahead.

“This programme will help address fundamental questions which face the sector.”

Successful applicants can receive up to £100,000 towards the costs of their project, which must be completed by September 2018.

Applications are invited from staff from UK universities who are engaged in offshore renewable energy research, and who are eligible for EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) support.

Tim Hurst, chief executive of Wave Energy Scotland, said: "Our main objective is to develop cost competitive wave energy technology in Scotland, and collaboration between industry and academia to solve generic technical problems is a key part of our strategy.”